MATTAWAN, Mich., Sept. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- MPI Research, in partnership with INVICRO and 3D Imaging, today held the groundbreaking for its new world-class Imaging Center, set to open in spring 2014 at the MPI Research global corporate headquarters in Mattawan, Mich. For the first time, pharmaceutical researchers will have access to a cyclotron facility directly connected to a world-class vivarium, permitting drug radiolabeling and in-depth study across a wide variety of animal models.

"Thanks to the insights and dedication of our team and our partners at INVICRO and 3D Imaging, this addition will further establish MPI Research as a truly one-of-a-kind research facility and global resource for drug development," said MPI Research Chairman, President and CEO William U. Parfet. "It is also an important and highly visible reflection of how our community, our region and the state of Michigan continue to move forward as leaders in the life sciences."

The 10,000-square-foot, two-story Imaging Center is the latest joint effort between MPI Research, INVICRO and 3D Imaging, which have collaborated on more than 100 unique imaging projects to date. The multimillion-dollar project will leverage the distinct and complementary strengths of each partner, including INVICRO's molecular imaging informatics team and 3D Imaging's radiopharmaceutical group.

"Only the Imaging Center at MPI Research will offer translational imaging capabilities all under one roof," said Jack Hoppin, Ph.D., co-founder and managing partner of INVICRO. "This will fill a void that is not being addressed anywhere in the world, and most importantly, will speed drug discovery and development programs to market."

Many of the expanded imaging solutions, including nonhuman primate PET and CT imaging capabilities, became available in July 2013.

"Together with our partners, MPI Research and INVICRO, we are creating a total translational imaging tool," said Marc Berridge, Ph.D., president and founder of 3D Imaging. "It will take drug development to the next level by providing biotech and pharmaceutical companies with key information that has never before been available."

About MPI ResearchMPI Research, with global headquarters in Mattawan, Mich., provides safety evaluation, discovery, bioanalytical and analytical services to the biopharmaceutical, medical device, animal health and chemical industries. The company offers comprehensive imaging solutions including preclinical imaging, radiochemistry and data analysis. Scientific knowledge and experience, responsiveness, integrity, trust, teamwork and dedication to strong and enduring sponsor relationships are the defining attributes that characterize MPI Research as a high-performance, high-quality organization that is committed to bringing safer and more effective products to the world. Learn more about how we can exceed your expectations at www.mpiresearch.com.

About INVICROINVICRO was founded with a mission of improving the value of imaging in drug discovery and development. The company provides a full range of imaging services and software solutions including contract research services, custom data analysis and software programs for image data management and high-throughput image processing. Its experienced team of more than 30 research scientists possesses unique capabilities in imaging physics, advanced biostatistics, multi-dimensional image processing and software development, and an intimate understanding of imaging systems, agents and animal models. Managing and/or processing more than 15 imaging studies per month across a broad range of applications, INVICRO has processed more than 50,000 scans over the past three years. INVICRO's analysis and management software is used in over 100 imaging facilities worldwide and its use is growing. Find out more at www.invicro.com.

About 3D Imaging3D Imaging was established to bring innovative radiochemistry to drug development research. With an onsite cyclotron embedded in a major medical school research and teaching hospital, 3D Imaging produces any desired radiopharmaceutical. For the past seven years, 3D Imaging has offered preclinical, translationa, and clinical PET imaging. Beginning with C-11 and F-18 labeled radiopharmaceuticals, including custom-labeled and custom-formulated drugs and drug candidates, 3D Imaging currently offers 45 different radiotracers. With the addition of novel, solid targetry for in-house production of I-124, Zr-89 and Cu-64, products labeled with these nuclides, and custom labeling with commercially available SPECT nuclides, there is no limit to the potential to produce the right tracer for any purpose. Find out more at www.3dimagingllc.com.